ONLY ON 3: 12 years after annexation, some Masonboro residents still waiting for city services

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The City of Wilmington is taking steps toward providing city services to annexed Monkey Junction. But one area annexed by the city more than a decade ago still is not receiving some of those basic services.

“The taxes are enormous, and I get no services,” said Sandra Hankin, who has lived off Seabreeze Blvd. in Masonboro for more than 32 years. In 2000 the City of Wilmington annexed the area. She says despite paying her taxes and the city’s many promises, she still does not have city water, a city sewer system or many other services.

“The city has not done more than temporary, or shall we say baby steps towards addressing that,” Hankin said. “It’s something to keep me quiet, but nothing that really is effective.”

The city says the problem has to do with easements.

“There are about one percent remaining that do need to get water and sewer hookups, and the reason that that hasn’t been done is basically because we have not been able to get easements to the properties,” city spokeswoman Malissa Talbert said.

Residents say problem is the city is low-balling them for access to their soundfront property.

“They at first offered us $11,000,” resident Madeline Scully said. “We’re in negotiation. It’s not going to fly.”

People who live off Seabreeze Blvd. say residents in Monkey Junction have every reason to be worried about annexation.

“I know those people in monkey junction have great concerns, and they need to, because there are promises that have not been kept,” Hankin said.

Residents we spoke with said they approached the city about a rebate on their taxes, but the city said no.

The city says the long-awaited services are probably a year or two away.